Day 1 - On your marks. Get set. GO!

 Good evening all, 

WOW! 

What a fantastic send off this morning (I can't believe that was only this morning)!

I must say this every year, but what a marvellous group of year 6 children we have with us on residential! After a lovely journey to North Wales, the children just had enough time to stretch their legs (and visit the bathroom) before our group leaders Laura (Forest)  Callum (Wood) and Niall (Hill) whisked the children off to complete their first task, making their beds and packing their kit bags. I can report that the children were all successful at putting on their own bottom sheets, stuffing their pillow in a pillowcase and putting on a duvet cover. No excuses now when they get home!

After that, lunch awaited the children, on the menu was pizza! The children also had the chance to order their meals for the rest of the week, pasta, curry, sandwiches, jacket potatoes and lots more, plus the added bonus of crisps and biscuits. 

Before we knew it, it was time to head off for their first activities zip-wire, high ropes course and Trapeze. The amount of fantastic teamwork skills on show across the activities had our group leaders talking about what a magnificent group of children they were working with. The children were complemented for their perseverance, resilience, communication and listening skills. Some faced their fears as they tackled the heights of the high ropes and zip wire. 

No time to rest, quick toilet and drinks stop and then onto Climbing (Forest), Trapeze (Wood) and High Ropes (Hill). More fantastic skills on show from the children and adults. I can not tell you how many times our group leaders have commented on the children's wonderful manners and their supporting nature towards one another. The teamwork on show is an absolute pleasure to watch and as their teachers (temporarily at least) we could not be any prouder. 

Piranha Pool (Forest)  Giant Swing (Wood) and Caving (Hill). Forest group were the first of our children to complete the most talked about activity at Robinwood, The Piranha Pool. The Piranha Pool was approached with excitement and some nerves. Had Mr Elliot been lying? Were there any piranhas? Is the water hot or cold? Do the Piranhas have teeth? Are the piranhas vegetarian? 

Well, not to spoil it for any younger siblings, Forest group all survived, however, they only just got out with seconds to spare before they were the piranhas supper! I am sure the children will look forward to telling you all about it when they get home. Hill group also faced the Piranhas after surviving their caving session. Reports from Mr Cook are that all children escaped with toes and fingers still attached. Let's hope Wood group are just as successful tomorrow morning.  

A great attitude from all the children who after an early start were giving everything 100% and still had smiles on their faces! With the sun out it made for a wonderful afternoon. Towards the end of these activities bellies were starting to rumble.

After 3 action packed activities, the children (and adults) were ready for some tea. Great table manners impressed the Robinwood staff as the children tucked into some pasta or jacket potatoes followed by more pasta for some of the children and even more pasta for some of the children who wanted seconds and thirds followed by scrumptious ice cream. 

Re-fuelled it was onto our 4th activities included Crate Challenge for Forest and Caving for Wood group. Forest group had their skills tested. In small groups, the children had to build the tallest tower out of crates whilst on top of it. This activity required a lot of communication and trust as they built their tower with some going at least 10ft off the ground. After time limits were reached the hardest part came next, the jump from the top. Before you panic, the children were all safely harnessed and I can report they all gracefully floated back down to the floor. Wood group accompanied by Mrs Wood braved the darkness of the Robinwood caves. With an intricate tunnel system the children (and Mrs Wood) squeezed through tight turns and navigated the cave tunnels like pros. 

Our final activity Team Challenge.  Completing different activities for points the children excelled themselves, had fun and laughed as the teachers tried their hardest to embarrass themselves. 

As the activity came to a finish, it was time for hot chocolate and biscuits. The rules for night-time followed and the need for a good night sleep was top of the list! 

Bed time! The children are now fast asleep (I hope) as I type and can't imagine we will see any of the children until they wake up or are awoken up by the night ninjas at 7.45am.

We are incredibly proud of the children's perseverance, courage and teamwork today and can't wait for tomorrow's activities.

Thank you for all your wonderful messages which I will share with the children over breakfast tomorrow morning. If you know of anyone still unaware of the blog please share and pass on the details.

I will share more with you tomorrow. An action packed day awaits. 

Goodnight 

Mr E, Mr Cook and Mrs Wood x